Our “about us” page is really not about us at all.  It’s about you.   It’s about the look that sets you apart.  The look that makes you different…and special…and unique.  The look that turns fun into fashion, and fashion into fun.  It’s the look that gives you that Urge 2 Splurge.

Founded by Mimsy Rogal, Urge 2 Splurge is a concept as well as a fashion statement.  From her earliest training as a fashion merchandiser at Western Michigan University, through many years as fashion coordinator for fabulous companies like Bloomingdales, Macy’s and Saks, Mimsy’s own urge to splurge was fine tuned while she developed her creative talents and sense of style.  The result?  Urge 2 Splurge, which offers a special look designed to be uniquely you.

We start with a great selection of unusual fabrics and interesting shapes.  The handbags from Urge 2 Splurge are created with various combinations.  We select from exciting color pallets to make patterns that mix well with others or look great alone.

But wait.  There’s more.  If you prefer to select your special handbag from our beautiful line of Designs by Mimsy, there are many styles waiting for you to choose from.  Bright colors, muted shades, bold patterns, quiet patterns, clever shapes, larger bags, smaller bags…all have been designed to help you pick out a bag from our current collection that suits you best.

Sound interesting?   Click on…

Hey look! Here's a recent article about us:

Suburban Lifestyles - November 1, 2005, Page 28
Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township, Michigan

Fashion ¢ents, by Renae Placinski

She signs all correspondence, "Your purse-onal advisor." Meet Mimsy B. She's your normal Rochester area mom ... who happens to have a budding business creating purses. Also known as Miriam Beth Rogal, Mimsy B. is the winner of the Fashion Cents Up- and­ Coming Designer Contest.

Rogal caught my attention with her polished contest entry, complete with interesting details that just couldn't be ignored. I was impressed by her hard work and the success she's enjoyed in the short two-year existence of her "Urge 2 Splurge" line. On top of it all, those purses are darn cute. Let me share Rogal's story with you.

Rogal's interest in fashion began as a child. "From the time I was 8 years old, I wanted to be a designer," she says. She followed her passion for fashion throughout her education (attending Western Michigan University for fashion merchandising and the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology in New York) into adulthood. Rogal worked for many years as a fashion coordinator for department store institutions like Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue.
 

When Rogal returned to the Detroit area to be close to family, she returned with a wealth of experience and a more focused sense of style. She also realized she would like to be a purse designer. "I think handbags are 'art on your arm,' and they are tremendous conversation pieces," Rogal says. While Rogal's career was moving forward, she certainly couldn't ignore her other calling in life—to be a mom.
 

Little did she know, though, that mom-related duties would turn into business opportunities.
 

Rogal became friends with the other moms she saw every day while waiting at the bus stop. After getting their opinions on her designs here and there, she realized quickly that these moms would be a great "focus group." The moms still provide advice, comments and guidance for Rogal's designs.
 

"The moms let me know what they like from a stylish viewpoint," Rogal says. "They are trendsetters in their own way, all with great style and I really respect their opinions. Great designers get to be that way because they listen to what people want. I love the moms!"
 

The 'bus stop moms' model various Mimsy B. handbags. Photo by Angie Fucich.

Rogal introduced "Handbags by Mimsy B. for Urge 2 Splurge" in 2003. Rogal's vision was to create a line of handbags that would be a concept as well as a fashion statement. Rogal says the line's first attraction is fabric—the various prints she uses really make the first impression. Style is next. But Rogal hasn't forgotten functionality (a key factor for any mom and, indeed, any woman). Each Mimsy B. handbag has a cell phone holder and interior zippered pockets.
 

Since its creation, Rogal's line has made a splash locally, and even throughout the Midwest. Her designs are featured for sale at various boutiques throughout the metro Detroit area, and elsewhere across several cities and states.
 

When asked about her future plans for Mimsy B., Rogal responds with a resounding "Look out, Kate Spade!" She hopes to expand her line to more boutiques across the country, will continue featuring her products at home parties and also plans to add independent retail consultants.
 

If you're interested in purchasing a Mimsy B. handbag, consider these words from the designer herself: "We have great looks, can customize to your taste and [we have] fantastic pricepoints. First-time buyers receive great savings." She urges shoppers to visit her Web site, www.urge2sp1urge.com, for more information about her products and where to find them. Interested boutiques and consultants can also find out about opportunities to feature the Mimsy B. handbag line by visiting the Web site.
 

Congratulations to Suburban Lifestyles' up-and-coming designer Mimsy B. Her work is impressive and her goals are inspiring ... not to mention realistic. Who wouldn't want a great, unique handbag from a local designer? Talk about a "purse-onal" touch!

Renae Placinski, former Suburban Lifestyles editor enjoys writing about fashion on a budget. She writes from personal experience–as a grad student, everything's on a budget now! E-mail her at fashcents@hotmail.com.